Telemedicine can extend healthcare to remote and inaccessible areas: Dr Kim
Bhubaneswar: Dr. Ramasamy Kim, an expert in the realm of telemedicine and the President of the Telemedicine Society of India (TSI), expounded on the transformative impact of technological advancements during his address on Saturday. Dr. Kim articulated that the march of technology has effectively obliterated the barriers of distance, thereby enabling the extension of healthcare services to remote and previously inaccessible regions through the medium of telemedicine.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 12th annual conference of the Odisha chapter of TSI, hosted at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Dr. Kim emphasized the diminishing significance of geography and distance in the realm of healthcare provision. “Telemedicine transcends spatial constraints, offering the capability to reach patients irrespective of their location,” he asserted.
Dr. Kim underscored the symbiotic relationship between engineering and medicine, advocating for their collaborative efforts to advance the collective welfare of humanity, particularly in light of the burgeoning influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “In the era where AI has captured global imagination, its integration into medical practice holds immense potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and mitigate errors,” he remarked.
The event, presided over by Dr. Ramnath Mishra, President of the Odisha chapter of TSI, featured luminaries such as Prof. Pradipta Kumar Nanda, Vice-Chancellor of SOA Deemed to be University, Dr. Sibananda Mohanty, past President of the Odisha chapter of TSI, along with other distinguished personalities from the medical fraternity.
Dr. Kim lauded the instrumental role played by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in bolstering India’s telemedicine initiatives, citing the establishment of approximately 2500 telemedicine vision centers catering to patients nationwide. Moreover, he commended the resilience showcased by telemedicine networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, which facilitated access to healthcare services in previously underserved areas.
Highlighting the exemplary success of the Odisha Telemedicine Network, Dr. Kim expressed optimism regarding the future prospects of leveraging technology for societal welfare. He urged medical students to harness the potential of smartphones as tools for advancing healthcare delivery.
Prof. Nanda reaffirmed SOA Deemed to be University’s commitment to collaborating with the state government in advancing telemedicine endeavors, citing its pivotal role in saving lives during the pandemic. Dr. Mishra echoed sentiments advocating for the widespread adoption of telemedicine in medical education to address the challenges posed by faculty shortages.
In conclusion, Dr. Sabyasachi Pattanayak, Secretary of the Odisha chapter of TSI, extended gratitude, while esteemed dignitaries including Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Prof. (Dr.) Gangadhar Sahu, Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, and Prof. (Dr.) Prakash Kumar Sahoo were in attendance, underscoring the collaborative efforts aimed at advancing telemedicine initiatives.
